Growing up right outside of New York City, and then going to college in a small town in New Hampshire, has really taught me a lot. Most importantly, it has taught me how lucky I am to have grown up where I did.
Large cities can be overwhelming. With places like New York, you are in a city that literally never sleeps. You are surrounded by millions of people and a whole lot of excitement.
While this can be stressful for some people, I’m going to share with you the lessons I’ve learned and what you might learn from living in a big city.
1. Take advantage of everything you are surrounded by.
In a big city, you are surrounded by a variety of resources that you just don’t have in a small town. You have restaurants and stores on every corner, multiple options in terms of transportation and most importantly, a lot of places to get a job.
As a college student who is graduating in May, that last one is something I’ve just started to take advantage of. Be sure to take advantage of every opportunity you come across and utilize these resources well.
2. Don’t get lost in the crowd.
In a place with so many people, it can be hard to not get lost in the crowd. Unlike a small town, you aren’t going to run into people you know every day.
It’s important that you don’t let this get you down. Be sure to get to know people, make a name for yourself, and create new memories and exciting stories.
3. Not everyone is out to hurt you.
Growing up with old-fashioned Italian parents, I have always been told not to trust people because everyone in the world is out to get you.
What I’ve learned being in big cities, however, is that this is not always true. While they are right in some cases, most people are actually nice and if you give them the time of day, they may surprise you.
Just think twice before you make judgments about the homeless man on the corner, or turn down the boy that asked you to lunch.
4. You’re not alone.
In a big city, you may sometimes feel lonely because everyone is hustling and bustling. Something I’ve learned is that you actually aren’t alone at all.
Just simply look out your window and you’ll realize there are hundreds of people right in front of you. Go out and mingle!
5. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
Like Frank Sinatra said when speaking about New York, if you can make it in a big city you can truly make it anywhere. Big cities are a crazy place!
You will see things you have never seen before and meet so many different kinds of people. You’ll have so many new experiences and have to navigate around what seems like the entire world!
But just remember, if you can make it in a big city you can make it anywhere else!
Image: iStock
Reflect & Refresh 